Abstract:
The purposes of this study were: 1) to study the operation characteristics of Petroleum and Chemical industries, 2) to study techniques for Selecting Maintenance Contractors in the Petroleum and Chemical Industries, 3) to compare the differences in contractor selection techniques classified by the operational characteristics of organizations. The population comprised 924 organizations in the petroleum and chemical industries in Thailand. The sample size was determined using Yamanes formula (1974), resulting in 280 organizations, with data successfully collected from 125 organizations. Data were gathered through a structured questionnaire consisting of checklist items and rating scales. Descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, were used to analyze the data. Hypothesis testing was performed using independent samples t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Scheffes test.
The results revealed 1) Most organizations are in the petroleum manufacturing sector, have been operating for more than 10 years, use lump-sum contracts for hiring contractors, Selective Tender bidding as the contractor selection method, and primarily contract mechanical work. 2) The techniques for Selecting Maintenance Contractors are considered highly important. Among the various dimensions, the highest importance is placed on Quality and Reliability of Contractors, followed by Equipment, Technology, and Innovation, Safety and Environment, Cost and Pricing, and Management, respectively. 3) The contractor selection techniques differ according to the operational characteristics of organizations, particularly in terms of years in operation, type of contract, bidding method, and scope of work. Notably, organizations with less than 10 years of operation, lump-sum contracts, apply Selective Tender bidding method, and focus on mechanical work, show significantly different selection approaches
This study is beneficial to entrepreneurs in the petroleum and chemical industries, as it helps organizations enhance the efficiency of their contractor selection processes, reduce risks from unqualified contractors and delayed project deliveries, and minimize costs arising beyond the contractual scope.